SYB 115

STUDIES IN SOCIAL PROBLEMS

FALL 2007

W. DOANE

 

 

                  SOCIAL PROBLEMS PROJECT--RESEARCH OPTION

 

                              Stage II -- Social Problems Analysis: Explaining Problems

 

 

Your objective in this section of the project will be to employ course concepts and ideas to analyze important aspects of the problem which you began to research in Stage I.  The social problems analysis section of your research should answer the following questions:

 

1.   What are the social origins of the problem?  What social forces explain the emergence and evolution of the problem?  In other words, how can we (1) explain the causes of the problem and (2) explain the ways in which the problem has changed over time.  How has the social construction (definition) of the problem changed over time?  How has this affected the development of the problem?   What frames (sets of claims and counterclaims) dominate the current debate?  Apply the political economy approach (how is the problem grounded in the nature of the US economic system and inequalities of wealth and power?) to explain the causes and evolution of the problem.  Are there groups in society with clear economic interests connected to the problem?

 

2.  What are the strengths and weaknesses of competing expla­nations of the problem?  Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the various explanations for the problem that you have found in your research.  Which approaches do you believe best explain the causes and development of the problem?  Be certain that you provide the reasons for your decision.

 

NOTE: Depending upon your topic, I may advise you to emphasize either question 1 or question 2.  I will provide each student with a brief recommendation on October 30.

 

 

Sources:

To obtain an overview of explanations of your problem, I recommend that you begin by reading the introductory chapters to a recent book on your problem. This will help you focus on the major explanations.  This portion of your research will rely more on books and journal and periodical articles than internet resources.  Use the Academic Search Premier, EBSCO Host, and Lexis-Nexus databases (available to University students through the library web page) to locate possible sources of data in recent issues of The New York Times, Time, Newsweek, and other periodicals.  EBSCO Host and Academic Search Premier can also be used to locate relevant articles in scholarly journals such as Social Problems.  You should consult a reference librarian if you need assistance with these resources.

 

                                                                                                                                                           

Presentation of Findings: [Be sure to follow these directions]

The presentation of the second stage of your research project should be in the form of a 5-6 page (typed, double-spaced) report.  Be sure that you follow the content guidelines—i.e., that your paper focuses upon explanations for the problem.

 

Your report should be organized as follows:

 

I.          Introduction.  Provide an introductory paragraph where you outline your major argument and present your reader with an overview of the topics which you plan to develop.

II.         Analysis.  This is where you present and analyze the various explanations for the problem as described above (Hint:  be sure that you apply the social constructionist and political economy approaches, be sure that you focus upon the social causes of the problem, and be sure that you give reasons for your selection of the most suitable explanation [how do you respond to the issues raised by the other explanations?])

III.       Conclusion.  What conclusions can you draw from your research?  What are the most important things you have learned about the social problem you are studying and social problems in general?  Do not focus on solutions--that will be the focus of Stage III.

 

References:

Be sure to keep track of your sources because you will need to cite them in your report (all ideas, words, and facts which are not your own MUST be referenced).  Information on the proper format for references and on avoiding plagiarism is available via the course web page (http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/doane/problems.htm).

 

Academic Honesty

            I EXPECT that your papers will contain either your original ideas or material that has been properly referenced.  Use of the words of others without quotation marks and references is plagiarism (presenting the ideas and words of others as if they were your own)—which is both dishonest and a violation of University policy.  IF YOU SUBMIT A PAPER WITH PLAGIARIZED MATERIAL, YOU CAN EXPECT SEVERE CONSEQUENCES, INCLUDING RECEIVING A FAILING GRADE FOR THE COURSE.  Please speak with me if you have any questions about referencing or plagiarism.  I have also included material on plagiarism on the course web page.

 

Assistance:

I strongly encourage you to meet with me to discuss your paper--especially how to focus your analysis.  Assistance is also available in the Hillyer College Academic Strategies Center in H140.

 

Evaluation:

Evaluation (i.e., your grade) will be based upon the clarity of your presentation (i.e., organiza­tion, readability, and grammar), your use of resources, and the quality (depth, insightfulness, relevance to the course) of your analysis and discussion.  Please be sure to devote adequate time and space to this assignment.  Papers which fall short of the recom­mended minimum length WILL receive lower grades.  Proofread your paper!  Spelling and grammar will affect your grade.

 

Due Date/Late Papers/Extensions:

This assignment is due on Thursday, November 15.  Time extensions will be allowed only in extreme circum­stances and by prior arrangement.  Late papers will be penalized and you may lose the opportunity to make revisions!

 

Resubmission:

            Because I am most interested in student learning, I will permit you the option of revising and resubmitting Stage II in response to my comments.  This revision may be submitted at a later date in the semester (on or before the last class meeting).  Your final grade will primarily be based upon the revised version; however, your effort on the original version will also be taken into consideration.